scholarly journals Weathering and soil genesis from the Nasinu Basalt, South-East Viti Levu, Fiji

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Morrison ◽  
(the late) J. A. Bonato

Detailed studies of basalt weathering in the South Pacific Islands are relatively rare. In order to address this gap, this study investigated weathering changes and soil formation for the predominantly fine-grained feldspar-phyric basalt flows (6.4 Ma) in the Nasinu area, about 10 km north-north-east of Suva, Fiji. In the hot humid environment locally, these rocks have been subjected to rapid and deep weathering. Three weathering profiles (Nasinu S1, S2 and S3 at approximately 60 m elevation) show features of strong kaolinitisation. Aluminium and iron enrichment in the horizons of the Nasinu weathering profiles is marked, with the presence of kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite, haematite and magnetite (grains) confirming substantial mineralogical change. Suggested mechanisms for these changes are presented. Using Soil Taxonomy, the Nasinu soil pedon (JBS-1) developed on the weathered basalt is a Typic Palehumult, very fine, mixed, isohyperthermic. A comparison is made with the weathering pattern of the Nakobalevu basalt located only about 25 km from this location.

Author(s):  
Graham Hassall ◽  
Feue Tipu

In this paper we seek to answer some basic questions about the condition of local government in the Pacific. Firstly, we examine what is meant by ‘local government’ in the various islands and for that matter how Pacific Island states have perceived and accepted local government institutions in practice; second, we ask basic questions about existing legal and constitutional recognition and powers; and third, we provide initial findings on current per capita expenditure and local government financial viability in a number of Pacific cities and towns. We also make some observations on current moves towards local government reform.


1987 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-53
Author(s):  
J.E. Cawte

Kava has been introduced into Aboriginal communities in Northern Australia. Persons from Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land visiting the South Pacific region on study tours have been impressed by their welcome in Kava bowl ceremonies, and some of them hoped that the Aborigines might use Kava instead of alcohol.In 1983 many Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land used Kava, and much more was used in 1984. By 1985 it became a social epidemic or ‘craze’ in many communities. Rings of people of both sexes and of all ages often sit together under trees around Kava bowls for many hours. They may drink up to a hundred times the amount normally drunk in the Pacific Islands by the same number of people in the same time.


1927 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Bezzi

Having recently studied a large collection of Myiodaria from the Fiji Islands, and having received, through the courtesy of Dr. P. A. Buxton, a number of species from Samoa and other South Pacific Islands, I am able to make a revision of the Calliphoridae now before me, and to describe some new forms. I have also taken into consideration the specimens from New Zealand and from Eastern Australia in my collection, as well as the forms recently described by Aldrich, Hardy, Malloch, Patton and Surcouf, together with the taxonomic changes proposed by Senior-White, Shannon and Townsend.It seems that some species, probably those more closely associated with man, are widely spread through the Pacific Islands ; while several others seem to be very localised.


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